Novelist to read, speak in Eastport

CANADIAN AUTHOR Beth Powning will read from one of her books and answer questions as the featured presenter at an upcoming open mic night in Eastport.

Powning, who lives in Sussex, New Brunswick, has written four novels and three literary nonfiction books to wide acclaim. New Brunswick’s lieutenant governor presented her with an award for high achievement in literary arts in 2010.

Her books reflect the history and natural environment of the Maritimes. For example, Powning’s second novel, The Sea Captain’s Wife, follows the life of a young woman determined to accompany her husband on his merchant ship despite the perils involved. The book charts the path taken by numerous women in the Maritimes and New

England who refused to be left alone as their husbands sailed the seas.

“The Sea Captain’s Wife is a gripping story, written with assurance and authority,” writes reviewer Nancy Herkness in the New York Journal of Books. “It succeeds equally as a study of the difficulties of marriage, and as a tale of gritty adventure on the high seas—with the particular fascination of being experienced from the female perspective.”

Powning’s most recent novel, The Sister’s Tale, also draws upon the history of the Maritimes as it tracks the story of an orphan purchased at a pauper auction where children were sold to bidders as a form of social relief for the poor. The high bidder would house the newly purchased orphan in exchange for a stipend from the local government and the work the orphan could provide.

The book was a national bestseller as it tracked the tale of how two young girls orphaned in England traveled to Canada to start a new life. Once there, in a world dominated by loss but populated by resilient women, they find their strength and a hopeful future.

Powning grew up in Connecticut so many of her books reflect the larger historical narrative of eastern North America.

“I mean Eastport might as well as be St. Stephen as far as what things were and the things that were happening,” she said. “And the further you go back, the more similar they become.”

She has also written nonfiction books that often reflect on the natural rhythms, forests, pastures, hills, and seascapes that surround her home.

Powning will read from The Sister’s Tale beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday,

July 27, in the Eastport Arts Center, 36 Washington St. Her reading will be followed by a short question-andanswer session.

The night prior to Powning’s reading, on July 26, her husband, Peter Powning, will present a discussion at Eastport’s Tides Institute on his art. His work, which is currently on display in the Tides’ gallery, embodies a varied range of media including glass, stone, and steel. That talk will take place at 7 p.m. in the Institute at 43 Water St.

The book reading and open mic are free and open to the public. Powning’s books can be purchased in both brick-and-mortar bookshops as well as online.

In Eastport, The Sister’s Tale is available to purchase at Raye’s Mustard.

The Penobscot Marine Museum will hold walking tours the evenings of July 20, July 27, August 3, and Aug. 10. Tours will be offered at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person with pre-registration and $10 per person at the door. To register, visit penobscotmarinemuseum. org/events-list/.

On July 20 and 27, the theme will be “They Did it in Petticoats: Searsport Women’s History.” In the 19th century Searsport was bustling with people who filled the busy streets.

The museum often has exhibits and shares stories about the experiences of middle and upper-class male ship captains and shipwrights. What about the women who lived in this vibrant coastal town, who sailed the ocean, and who grew up on the water? Participants will be able to hear their stories on this tour.

On Aug. 3 and Aug. 10, the theme will be “The Feds, The Greeks, and Those Delightful Victorians: Searsport Architecture.” This tour uses buildings on the Penobscot Marine Museum campus to examine local architecture and the growth of the town of Searsport.

Residents in the early 1800s chose Greek Revival and Federal architectural elements while the Victorians in the later 19th century embraced the Italianate style. Participants will enjoy some local history as well as learn more about architectural elements that can also be found throughout the Maine coast and beyond.

The Penobscot Marine Museum brings Maine’s maritime history to life on a campus of beautiful historic buildings in the charming seacoast village of Searsport.

In addition to exhibits, Penobscot Marine Museum has over 300,000 historic photographs, an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and archives, and a maritime history research library. Visit penobscotmarinemuseum.org to learn more.

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